By now, readers of this blog are aware that I am a highly critical person. Or, as my sons would say, a “nit-picker.” I can’t help it. I notice misspellings, typos, and all things inappropriate. Many of you are excellent proofreaders too, and notice that my postings often have typos – and I urge you [...]
Once upon a time, a group of six women had a get-away to the mountains of Pennsylvania. The vacation house was an item that two of the husbands had bid on at a silent auction several years ago. When the two families failed to coordinate their schedules and find a time to use the [...]
Recently a MOB reader emailed to ask for recommendations on what her friends, with teenage kids, might enjoy doing during an upcoming trip to New York City. It’s timed for mid-February, and they’re staying on Times Square, so I actually suggested the Westminster Dog Show. This tip is valid only if you’re a dog lover. I [...]
Most kids earn their first pocket money by feeding the neighbors’ dogs and mowing their lawns. We have more esoteric neighbors. Our boys have all taken turns iguana-sitting and watering a bonsai collection for the couple located just across the back yard. This is the perfect first job, because our neighbors are: 1. Frequently out of [...]
Sometimes the best laid plans are the most last-minute ones. This seems counter-intuitive, but just think what impromptu action spares you: over-thinking, over-planning, over-waffling. Late last Wednesday night, my friend Lindsay emailed from her business trip in NYC asking if I could run up, go to dinner, and spend the night on Thursday. I didn’t [...]
Last night’s news had a report that American children are now spending almost the equivalent of a full workday staring at a screen. Facebook. XBox. Texting. TV watching. Web surfing. It adds up. Big deal. I would like to point out that I, a representative of the middle-aged American, am a target of marketers as well. Screens are [...]
For years, with no signs of relenting, our boys have loved to watch constant reruns of Seinfeld. Initially, this surprised me. Wouldn’t the bad 90′s fashions bum them out? The big white sneakers, Jerry’s mullet, the tight sweatshirts? No, the fashions and styles didn’t bother them. If anything, Ian, Hugh and Malcolm view these things as having vintage [...]
Sometimes it’s depressing to live in a place that nobody considers exciting. When we go on trips and people ask where we’re from, and the answer is “Pennsylvania” or “Philadelphia,” there’s a glassy smile and a vague, “Oh, that’s nice…” or maybe a “Yes, the Liberty Bell….” Ian reported that in Europe, everyone said “Rocky!” While [...]
I overheard two women of a certain age the other day while heading into Macy’s. They were destined for the baby department to shop for shower gifts. One said to the other, “What do you want your grandchild to call you?” Sadly, there our paths diverged, and I didn’t hear her answer. This morning’s newspaper contained an [...]
As much fun as it is to feather the nest for Christmas, adding a tree and its hundreds of ornaments, candles, special mugs and plates, wreaths, knick-knacks, old photos of the boys with Santa, pillows and towels, it’s also great to turn the calendar page to January. Which is all about de-cluttering. Going more minimal. [...]
